Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud showcased his talent as the Houston Texans secured a playoff spot with a 23-19 victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night. The decisive moment came when Devin Singletary scored a go-ahead touchdown with a three-yard run, leaving the Texans at a 10-7 record and heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The team's impressive performance in the final stretch of the season positions them to potentially win the AFC South if Jacksonville loses to Tennessee.
Stroud, with a 20-of-26 completion rate, 264 yards, and two touchdowns, played a crucial role in the victory. Wide receiver Nico Collins contributed significantly with nine catches for 195 yards and a touchdown, while Singletary added 64 yards on 24 carries. Despite the Colts' late-game efforts, including a missed fourth-and-1 opportunity, the Texans sealed the win, eliminating the Colts from playoff contention.
In a game marked by unique moments, including Stroud's 75-yard TD pass to Collins on the first play and a do-over play in the second half, the Texans demonstrated resilience. Jonathan Taylor's outstanding performance for the Colts, rushing 30 times for 188 yards and a touchdown, wasn't enough to secure a postseason berth. The game's momentum shifted when Colts coach Shane Steichen opted for a 57-yard field goal, leading to the Texans taking the lead with a 51-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn.
In another critical AFC matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers claimed a 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Mason Rudolph threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson in the fourth quarter, propelling the Steelers to a 10-7 record. The win puts the Steelers in playoff contention, pending outcomes in other games on Sunday. Despite the absence of key players for the Ravens, including MVP favorite Lamar Jackson, the Steelers faced challenges, and TJ Watt left the game with a knee injury.
As the regular season concludes, these impactful victories set the stage for an exciting playoff race in the AFC.